CLUBBERS will be able to enjoy a private moment when nature calls when new doors are installed on Southend's night-time urinals.

The eight portable loos are set up in the High Street at weekends to stop revellers leaving nasty puddles in alleyways or shop doors.

However, partygoers have not been too skilful at covering themselves from the gaze of passers-by.

Special vanity doors - costing £800 each - have now been imported from Holland to solve the problem, which means they could be used at any time.

Southend's neighbourhood manager, Tony Payne, said the problem was some men liked to "turn round and show people" what they were doing when they used the toilets.

He said: "We managed to get together and paid for the doors so people walking past won't be offended by people urinating."

The loos were funded by the Night Time Economy Group, made up of pubs, clubs, police, community wardens and the council.

The doors will make them discreet enough to use during day-light hours.

John Bastin is a member of the group and project co-ordinator for Southend's SOS Bus, providing advice and support on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. He said since the toilets were introduced there have been fewer complaints from shopowners who have to deal with urine in their doorways, and the doors should improve matters further.

He said: "It's a bit more discreet. With a vanity panel in there the idea is they can be used anytime. I know they are used Friday and Saturday nights, but now they can be used any time, I know they do that in Manchester.

"It means there's more use for them, they can be used for functions like the airshow and can be dotted around the town. It's a bit better than seeing a bloke standing there."

Mr Bastin said their next project would be to fund women's toilets, although girls have been known to have a try at using the urinals themselves.

Until then, the newly-fitted doors will be bolted on and have their first public showing this weekend.